How to Make Sure That Your Older Home Is Electrically Safe

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Posted on
15 February 2018

There is a lot to be said for living in a very modern home, complete with all the latest technology and built with safety in mind. However, not everyone likes a contemporary look and they may opt to buy a traditional home that was built many generations ago. In this case, it's likely that electrical safety, in particular, is not quite up to the same standard and if you've just bought a property like this, what should you consider to bring everything up to speed?

The Importance of Safety Switches

Electrical safety switches can be added to the system strategically at older homes, in order to instantaneously turn off the power should a problem be encountered. They are not mandatory in older homes, unless the building is being marketed as a rental property or temporary accommodation. However, they are a good idea in every case.

These switches are designed to protect people from an electric shock, should there be a surge in a particular circuit. Without this switch, electricity would try to find it's quickest route to earth and that could be through your unfortunate body.

The switch is designed to identify any fluctuation in current instantaneously and immediately cut the power off. While it is still quite a rare occurrence, it's best to address the risk upfront and have some additional peace of mind.

Switchboard

The best type of safety switch is inserted at the switchboard. Each one located here will protect individual electrical circuits and by definition, any appliances or cords that are linked to the circuit. If a fault arises, the circuit in question is disarmed while others will still be operational.

Individual

You could also choose to replace individual wall receptacles with safety switches and this would then protect appliances and cords connected to that point. To be absolutely protected, you could insert safety receptacles and switchboard devices, as well.

Being Portable

If you're somebody who likes to be active in the back garden, then you may choose to get a portable safety switch that you can use whenever you are working with power tools. In this way, you simply plug the device into the portable switch and then plug that into the power point in the garden.

How to Proceed

If you want to replace individual receptacles with safety devices or modify the switchboard, you will need to get a qualified electrician in to do the work. Make sure that you also get a certificate of compliance when the work is done, to say that it has been tested and examined in accordance with national standards.

Joseph Mckinney
15 February 2018
Tags: 431 Words

About Me

When it comes to renovating a home, there are a lot of things you can do, and quite a few you should not! I am renovating my first home, and I have learned a lot simply by watching home handyman videos. However, when it comes to electrical work, I am limited by both safety and legal restrictions. My electrician will do the brunt of the rewiring work, but I am using this blog to help you identify causes of electrical faults; so you can bring to the attention of your own electrician. I will also discuss the basics of home electrical systems, such as what circuit breakers do, so you have a better idea where to start looking when the power goes out.